Storm Chasers

Tuesday evening, a very wise woman wrote in an email: “…It is sad that so many people really do not know Jesus even though they think they do. Jesus is not only the good shepherd, he is the pilot of our lives. He is Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us.’ He came down from heaven to be like us. He never intended to be above us, he is with us. I read again today, the gospel story in Mark, where Jesus was asleep in the boat. A storm came up and the apostles were terrified. Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind. ‘Quiet, Be still!’ The apostles were in awe and said, ‘who is this whom even the wind and sea obey?’”

“Today, with all our sophisticated technology, we can predict storms, but we can’t control them. There is no way we can prevent them. Storms come in the sea and sky, and they also come in our own lives and in our hearts. Even in the Bible, no one but Jesus was able to control the storms. So when the storms come in the elements and in our hearts, all we can do is turn to Jesus. Jesus said, ‘Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid!’” Jose Maria

Once again, I have been worried about money. Things today are worse than ever. I have maybe $250, $40 in cash, and there are at least $400 in bill due, immediately. Last night, I was very down about it, yet I know that the Lord always provides, no matter how much of a bitch I am, and how my faith is lacking.

I am in a quandary. A man conned me out of my beloved 1988 Series B Lebaron convertible, on a Maserati chassis. It was my fault for being so stupid. He gave me $27 in cash and still owes me $173. He lied about the car being in bad shape, turning around a few days later and selling it, illegally, in Mexico for $5000. He has refused to pay me. That $173 will make all the difference for me right now.

Then, I go back to the broker and his secretary who liberated what now appears to be a good $1.1 million from my parents. I’ve been making a web site for the canyon property. While I was searching for places to link it, I discovered additional things the realtor did to us.

I want to take out the jerk about the car.

We are suffering because the man stole the money, truly living under the poverty rate. I have no health insurance. My things are falling apart. My hair is falling out due to stress and the lack of proper nutrition. Right now, we have nearly $11 million in real estate on the market, and can’t pay the taxes on anything. What these people have done to us is horrible. I have no rights. The statute of limitations has passed. The man is now a local power-broker. His former assistant has a great new life. I am living a good $15,000 below the poverty level.

I want to do something to them. I can’t. My sister and I were talking about it. Our father, never, ever had anyone prosecuted for anything they ever did to him, including the guy who tried to kill him one day. We realized, because we are dealing with his estate and his money, we can’t prosecute.

Living according to the teachings of Christ is very difficult.

38 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

As much as I want to take these people out, I can’t. I want to force Heber to pay me that paltry $173, but I can’t do it. Then, I think about people he will cheat. Do I have a responsibility to them? I just don’t know. All I know is I’m to pray for these people.

This morning, early, I had an email from Bryce, who manages the hunting on our properties. He will have a hunting check for me, one of these days. Yes, the Lord always provides for our needs. I just want some of my wants provided for, once in awhile.

I know good and well the Lord is going to calm the tempest around me, and be protective. I’m just tired of the storms, and want a nice vacation from them.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SJ Reidhead (aka The Pink Flamingo) is a writer based in New Mexico. The author of two published novels, both westerns: Dust Devil and The Second Mrs. Earp and two published works of non-fictions: TRAVESTY: Frank Waters Earp Agenda Exposed and A Church for Helldorado, Endicott Peabody's 1882 Tombstone Diary. One of the leading authorities on the life of Wyatt Earp and Tombstone during the Earp years, she is writing a series of murder mysteries set in modern day Tombstone. The author is also working on a book about fashion in the Wild West. When complete, there will be over 2100 unpublished antique photographs dating from 1855-1910.

The author's work has appeared in Wild West, True West, Blogcritics, and The Tombstone Times. Recently the author has had to deal with a father who succumbed to Alzheimer's Disease. This is leading to a book dealing with the frustrations of dealing with the frustrations of the disease, finance, legal, health-care, and things no one bothers telling families about it. A portion of the book will contain entries from a blog she kept, detailing the struggle with her father's AD. She is also working on a murder mystery series set in modern day Tombstone and Cochise County. Several books of essays on Christian living are currently in edits. A book of essays and revisions of articles about Wyatt Earp has been completed and will include her latest work detailing her theory about the murder of his second wife, Mattie.

SJ Reidhead has been involved in Republican politics since she was 'a little kid'. During the Reagan years she was a lobbyist working with various non-profit organizations who were attempting to salvage NASA and the American space program after the disastrous Carter years. In spite of ups and downs, and numerous disappointments, politically, it is obvious the only political hope for this country is via the Republican Party. Along with politics she is an opera fanatic, has been known to stalk baritones to the point of being a baritone junkie, and loves baseball.

The Pink Flamingo went on line on October 4, 2005.

THE PINK FLAMINGO STORY

It started out as a joke. During the seven years I worked with the girls of my parish, leading a youth group, one of the things that I stressed were manners. Part of having manners, the way I see it, is to know how to set a proper table, host a party, cater it, and clean up afterward. I was fortunate enough to have a group of very talented girls in my youth group. They learned how to plan for, and execute large church functions, very properly. During one such function I noticed there were several incredibly tacky pink flamingos sitting on the table. Knowing the girls were up to something, I said nothing. A few months later they did the same thing at a function I was hosting at my home. I said nothing. They had a birthday party for me. More pink flamingos appeared - and a joke was born.

Thanks to the girls, all of whom are now grown, I have a collection of pink flamingos. It has become an ongoing joke. When I began working on my political blog, I realized the only possibly title was The Pink Flamingo!